Image pickup system, image pickup apparatus, and method of controlling the same

ABSTRACT

In a method of setting an OSD function according to a related technique, it is not allowed to select various superimposing techniques. In a case where a monitoring camera supports a plurality of superimposing techniques, a user is supposed to select one of the superimposing techniques via a troublesome operation. In view of the above, an image pickup apparatus is provided which includes a reception unit configured to receive an acquisition request for information associated with an image superimposing method of the image pickup apparatus, and a transmission unit configured to, in a case where the acquisition request for the information associated with the image superimposing method of the image pickup apparatus is received by the reception unit, transmit information associated with the image superimposing method of the image pickup apparatus.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent Ser. No. 14/893,180,filed on Nov. 23, 2015, which is a National Phase application ofInternational Application PCT/JP2014/002853, filed on May 29, 2014,which claims the benefit of Japanese Patent Application Numbers2013-115687, filed on May 31, 2013, and 2013-115685, filed on May 31,2013, which are all hereby incorporated by reference herein in theirentirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to an image pickup apparatus capable oftransmitting a picked-up image to the outside, and more particularly, toa technique of superimposing information such as an image or the like ona picked-up image.

BACKGROUND ART

In related techniques, it is known to superimpose a character, an image,or the like, on another image at a particular position and transmit aresultant image signal. An example of such a technique is known as an onscreen display function (hereinafter, referred to as an OSD function) todisplay information such as a character, an image, or the like, onanother image at a fixed position.

It is also known to dynamically change the position at which informationsuch as a character, an image, or the like, is superimposed. Forexample, PTL 1 discloses an image pickup apparatus configured such thatwhen a housing of a camera is panned or tilted, the position of a cursoron a display screen is moved in response to the movement of the housing.

In the OSD function in the related technique, various superimposingmethods are known. One method is to specify an encoder in performingsuperimposing for an image source. Another method is to allow a user tospecify a received stream to be subjected to superimposing.

For example, in the case where superimposing is performed on an imagesource, the OSD function is applied such that superimposing is performedon all images transmitted from an image pickup apparatus. On the otherhand, in the case where superimposing is performed on a stream to betransmitted, only a user who receives the stream is allowed to view thesuperimposed information such as a character or an image.

In a situation in which a plurality of superimposing methods aresupported, there is a need for a technique to select one of thesuperimposing methods depending on a user or an application.

However, in setting OSD functions according to related techniques, it isnot allowed select a superimposing method from a plurality of methods.

Among the plurality of superimposing methods, in the method ofspecifying an encoder used in the superimposing, a difference may occurin terms of a scope of information to be subjected to superimposingdepending on whether the information is superimposed on a picked-upimage before the picked-up image is encoded, or after the picked-upimage is encoded.

That is, in the case where a character, an image, or the like issuperimposed on a picked-up image before the picked-up image is encoded,it is easy to display the same character, image, or the like, on allpicked-up images to be subjected to the same encoding. On the otherhand, in the case where a character, an image, or the like, issuperimposed on a picked-up image after the picked-up image is encoded,the character, the image, or the like, is displayed only on thepicked-up image applied with particular setting.

Inmost cases, the setting of the encoding method includes setting of animage size or an image resolution. That is, when the encoding method isset, the image size of an image to be encoded is set, and enlarging orreducing of a picked-up image is performed before the encoding process.The process of enlarging/reducing the picked-up image includes samplingthe image, interpolation, and the like.

In the case where an encoder is specified in the superimposing, there isa possibility that a difference may occur in terms of a range ofinformation such as a character or an image to be subjected tosuperimposing depending on whether the superimposing is performed beforeor after the process of enlarging/reducing the picked-up image isperformed.

As described above, in the superimposing method in which the encoder isspecified, the scope subjected to the superimposing may vary. A user maybe allowed to set all items such that such a difference does not occur.However, in this case, the user has to perform a troublesome operation,which results in a reduction in convenience for users.

CITATION LIST Patent Literature

[PTL 1] Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 7-131684

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

In view of the above, the invention provides an image pickup apparatusincluding a reception unit configured to receive an acquisition requestfor information associated with an image superimposing method of theimage pickup apparatus, and a transmission unit configured to transmitinformation associated with the image superimposing method of the imagepickup apparatus in a case where the acquisition request for theinformation associated with the image superimposing method of the imagepickup apparatus is received by the reception unit.

Further features of the present invention will become apparent from thefollowing description of exemplary embodiments with reference to theattached drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a monitoringcamera according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a clientapparatus according to an embodiment.

FIG. 3A is a diagram illustrating a monitoring camera according to anembodiment.

FIG. 3B is a diagram illustrating a system including a monitoring cameraand a client apparatus according to an embodiment.

FIG. 3C is a diagram illustrating another example of a monitoring cameraaccording to an embodiment.

FIG. 4A is a sequence chart illustrating a command transaction accordingto an embodiment.

FIG. 4B is a sequence chart illustrating a command transaction accordingto an embodiment.

FIG. 5A is a diagram illustrating a graphical user interface (GUI) forsetting an on-screen display (OSD) of a client apparatus according to anembodiment.

FIG. 5B is a diagram illustrating a graphical user interface (GUI) forsetting an on-screen display (OSD) of a client apparatus according to anembodiment.

FIG. 5C is a diagram illustrating a graphical user interface (GUI) forsetting an on-screen display (OSD) function of a client apparatusaccording to an embodiment.

FIG. 5D is a diagram illustrating a graphical user interface (GUI) forsetting an on-screen display (OSD) function of a client apparatusaccording to an embodiment.

FIG. 6A is a flow chart illustrating a process by a client apparatus toselect a target category for which to perform on-screen display (OSD)setting according to an embodiment.

FIG. 6B is a flow chart illustrating a process by a client apparatus toselect a target category for which to perform on-screen display (OSD)setting according to an embodiment.

FIG. 7A illustrates an example of a definition of an OSDConfigurationtype according to an embodiment.

FIG. 7B illustrates an example of a definition of an OSDReference typeaccording to an embodiment.

FIG. 7C illustrates an example of a definition of the OSDType typeaccording to an embodiment.

FIG. 7D illustrates an example of a definition of an OSDPosConfigurationtype according to an embodiment.

FIG. 7E illustrates an example of a definition of anOSDTextConfiguration type according to an embodiment.

FIG. 7F illustrates an example of a definition of anOSDImageConfiguration type according to an embodiment.

FIG. 7G illustrates an example of a definition of a Vector typeaccording to an embodiment.

FIG. 7H illustrates an example of a definition of a Color type accordingto an embodiment.

FIG. 7I illustrates an example of a definition of a BackgroundColor typeaccording to an embodiment.

FIG. 7J illustrates an example of a definition of OSDTextType accordingto an embodiment.

FIG. 8A illustrates an example of a definition of anOSDConfigurationOptions type according to an embodiment.

FIG. 8B illustrates an example of a definition of theOSDReferenceOptions type according to an embodiment.

FIG. 8C illustrates an example of a definition of an OSDTextOptions typeaccording to an embodiment.

FIG. 8D illustrates an example of a definition of an OSDImageOptionstype according to an embodiment according to an embodiment.

FIG. 8E illustrates an example of a definition of an IntRange typeaccording to an embodiment according to an embodiment.

FIG. 8F illustrates an example of a definition of a ColorOptions typeaccording to an embodiment according to an embodiment.

FIG. 8G illustrates an example of a definition of a ColospaceRange typeaccording to an embodiment according to an embodiment.

FIG. 8H illustrates an example of a definition of a FloatRange typeaccording to an embodiment according to an embodiment.

FIG. 9A illustrates an example of a definition of aGetOSDConfigurationOptions command type according to an embodiment.

FIG. 9B illustrates an example of a definition ofGetOSDConfigurationOptionsResponse according to an embodiment.

FIG. 9C illustrates an example of a configuration of aGetOSDConfigurationOptions command according to an embodiment.

FIG. 9D illustrates an example of a configuration of aGetOSDConfigurationOptions command according to an embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a graphical user interface (GUI) forsetting an on-screen display (OSD) of a client apparatus according to anembodiment.

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a process of setting an on-screendisplay (OSD) of a monitoring camera according to an embodiment.

FIG. 12A illustrates an example of a definition of a SetOSD commandaccording to an embodiment.

FIG. 12B illustrates a specific example of a configuration of a SetOSDcommand.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a monitoringcamera according to an embodiment.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, the monitoring camera includes an imagingoptical system 1001, an image sensor 1003, an image processing circuit1005, a first mixing circuit 1007, a number-of-pixels conversion circuit1009, and a number-of-pixels conversion memory 1011. The monitoringcamera further includes a second mixing circuit 1013, an encodingcircuit (compression encoding processing circuit) 1015, an encodingmemory 1017, a communication circuit (hereinafter referred to as an IFcircuit) 1019, a communication buffer 1021, and a communication port1023. The monitoring camera further includes an OSD circuit 1025, acentral processing unit (hereinafter, referred to as a CPU) 1027, anelectrically writable/erasable nonvolatile memory (hereinafter, referredto as an EEPROM) 1029, and a CPU memory 1031.

Referring to FIG. 1, an operation of the monitoring camera according tothe present embodiment is described below.

A light ray from an object to be picked up is incident on the imagesensor 1003 via the imaging optical system 1001 and is converted into anelectric signal. In the present embodiment, the image sensor 1003 may berealized using a CCD, a CMOS, or the like. The image sensor 1003 in thepresent embodiment functions as an image sensing unit that senses animage of an object formed via the imaging optical system 1001 andoutputs a resultant image signal.

In FIG. 1, the I/F circuit 1019 receives an OSD setting command from aclient apparatus that will be described later. The OSD setting commandis analyzed by the CPU 1027 and OSD setting information is input to theOSD circuit 1025. The OSD circuit 1025 generates an OSD according to theinput OSD setting information.

The I/F circuit 1019 also outputs an image stream, encoded by theencoding circuit 1015 in a manner specified by a user, to the outside.The setting information in terms of the encoding is transmitted from theclient apparatus described below and is received by the I/F circuit1019. Based on the encoding setting information, the CPU 1027 instructsthe encoding circuit 1015 in terms of the encoding. For example,encoding methods employable in the present embodiment include MotionJPEG (hereinafter referred to as MJPEG), H.264, MPEG4, MPEG2, H.265 andthe like.

The encoding setting information includes specifying information interms of the image size or the image resolution. In a case where theimage output from the image sensor 1003 has an image size different fromthe specified image size, the number-of-pixels conversion circuit 1009performs an image enlargement or reduction process to generate an imagewith the specified image size. The image enlargement or reductionprocess may include an image interpolation process.

In the monitoring camera according to the present embodiment, byperforming the operation in the above-described manner, it is possibleto transmit, at substantially the same time, a plurality of imagestreams with different image sizes for the same scene encoded in thesame encoding method. That is, images with different image sizes for thesame scene generated by the number-of-pixels conversion circuit 1009 areinput in a time multiplexed manner to the encoding circuit 1015, and theimages are subjected to the encoding in the same encoding method andoutput. The resultant image streams are output to the outside via theI/F circuit 1019.

Next, referring to FIG. 2, a configuration of the client apparatusaccording to the present embodiment is described below.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the clientapparatus according to the present embodiment.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, the client apparatus includes an input unit2008, a digital interface unit (hereinafter referred to as an I/F) 2014,an interface terminal 2016, a display unit 2022, a central processingunit (hereinafter, referred to as a CPU) 2026, and a memory 2028.

The client apparatus illustrated in FIG. 2 may typically be ageneral-purpose computer such as a personal computer (hereinafterreferred to as a PC) . The input unit 2008 may be, for example, akeyboard, a pointing device such as a mouse, or the like. The displayunit 2022 may be, for example, a liquid crystal display apparatus, aplasma display apparatus, a cathode ray tube (CRT) such as a Braun tube,or the like.

A graphical user interface (GUI) of the client apparatus is displayed onthe display unit 2022. A user of the client apparatus is allowed tooperate the GUI via the input unit 2008. The CPU 2026 executes softwareto display the GUI and detect a user operation on the input unit 2008.An intermediate result during a calculation or an operation performed bythe CPU 2026, a data value that will be referred to later, and the likeare temporarily stored in the memory 2028 and they will be used later.In the present embodiment, by performing the operation in theabove-described manner, the operation of the external client apparatusdescribed above is realized.

Next, referring to FIGS. 3A to 3C, a configuration of a networkaccording to the present embodiment is described below.

In FIG. 3A, reference numeral 1000 denotes a monitoring camera accordingto an embodiment.

Reference numeral 1101 denotes a mechanism that allows it to pan thedirection of a lens. Reference numeral 1102 denotes a mechanism thatallows it to tilt the direction of the lens. Reference numeral 1103denotes a zoom mechanism.

FIG. 3B is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a system includingthe monitoring camera 1000.

Reference numeral 2000 denotes a client apparatus that is an externalapparatus according to the present embodiment. The monitoring camera1000 and the client apparatus 2000 are connected to each other via an IPnetwork 1500 such that they are allowed to communicate to each other.The client apparatus 2000 transmits various commands to the monitoringcamera 1000 in terms of changing an image picking-up parameter, drivinga camera platform, starting an image stream, and the like which will bedescribed later. The monitoring camera 1000 transmits a response to areceived command or an image stream to the client apparatus 2000.

FIG. 3C is a diagram illustrating another example of a monitoring cameraaccording to the present embodiment.

In FIG. 3C, reference numeral 1200 denotes the monitoring cameraaccording to the embodiment. The monitoring camera 1200 is connected tothe client apparatus 2000 via the IP network 1500 such that they areallowed to communicate with each other. The client apparatus 2000transmits various commands to the monitoring camera 1200 in terms ofchanging an image picking-up parameter, starting an image stream, andthe like which will be described later. The monitoring camera 1200transmits a response to a received command or an image stream to theclient apparatus 2000.

Next, referring to FIGS. 4A and 4B, a command transaction according tothe present embodiment is described.

FIGS. 4A and 4B are sequence charts of a command transaction between themonitoring camera 1000 and the client apparatus 2000.

FIG. 4A illustrates atypical command transaction from starting ofsetting to transmitting of an image.

In FIG. 4A, reference numeral 7100 denotes a transaction of aGetVideoSourceConfigurations command. By this command, the clientapparatus 2000 acquires a VideoSourceConfiguration list stored in themonitoring camera 1000.

Reference numeral 7101 denotes a transaction of aGetVideoEncoderConfigurations command. By this command, the clientapparatus 2000 acquires a VideoEncoderConfiguration list stored in themonitoring camera 1000.

Reference numeral 7102 denotes a transaction of a GetConfigurationscommand. By this command, the client apparatus 2000 acquires aPTZConfiguration list stored in the monitoring camera 1000.

Reference numeral 7103 denotes a transaction of a CreateProfile command.By this command, the client apparatus 2000 creates new MediaProfile inthe monitoring camera 1000 and acquires its ProfileToken.

Reference numerals 7104, 7105, and 7106 respectively denote transactionsof an AddVideoSourceConfiguration command, anAddVideoEncoderConfiguration command, and an AddPTZConfigurationcommand.

By these commands, the client apparatus 2000 is allowed to relateparticular VideoSourceConfiguration, VideoEncoderConfiguration, andPTZConfiguration to specified MediaProfile.

Reference numeral 7107 denotes a transaction of a GetStreamUri command.By this command, the client apparatus 2000 acquires an address (URI) atwhich a stream is transmitted from the monitoring camera 1000.

Reference numeral 7108 denotes a transaction of a Describe command. Byexecuting this command using the URI acquired in 7107, the clientapparatus 2000 requests information about a content distributed in theform of a stream from the monitoring camera 1000, and acquires theinformation.

Reference numeral 7109 denotes a transaction of a Setup command. Byexecuting this command using the URI acquired in 7107, the clientapparatus 2000 and the monitoring camera 1000 shares a streamtransmission method including a session number.

Reference numeral 7110 denotes a transaction of a Play command. Byexecuting this command using the session number acquired in 7109, theclient apparatus 2000 requests the monitoring camera 1000 to start astream.

Reference numeral 7111 denotes a transmitted stream. The monitoringcamera 1000 transmits a stream requested to be started in 7110 in thetransmission method shared in 7109.

Reference numeral 7112 denotes a transaction of a Teardown command. Byexecuting this command using the session number acquired in 7109, theclient apparatus 2000 requests the monitoring camera 1000 to stop astream.

Next, referring to FIG. 4B, a command transaction in terms of OSDsetting according to the present embodiment is described.

FIG. 4B is a sequence chart illustrating atypical command transaction interms of OSD setting (transaction to request acquisition) between themonitoring camera 1000 and the client apparatus 2000.

In FIG. 4B, reference numeral 7200 denotes a transaction of a GetOSDscommand. The GetOSDs command is a command used by the client apparatus2000 to instruct the monitoring camera 1000 to return allOSDConfiguration 6105 related to specified OSDReference.

Reference numeral 7201 denotes a transaction of a CreateOSD command. TheCreateOSD command is a command used by the client apparatus 2000 toinstruct the monitoring camera 1000 to newly create OSDConfiguration6105 so as to be related to specified OSDReference. By executing theCreateOSD command, the monitoring camera 1000 returns OSDToken, which isan ID of a generated OSD, to the client apparatus 2000.

Reference numeral 7202 denotes a transaction of aGetOSDConfigurationOptions command.

The GetOSDConfigurationOptions command is a command used by the clientapparatus 2000 to instruct the monitoring camera 1000 to return aselection range or options of each parameter of the OSDConfiguration.The selection range or the options of each parameter of theOSDConfiguration may be set using a SetOSD command that will bedescribed below.

In the present embodiment, the client apparatus receives aGetOSDConfigurationOptions response as a response to theGetOSDConfigurationOptions command.

The transmission of the GetOSDConfigurationOptions command is anoperation of inquiring a capability of the image processing apparatus interms of supporting a plurality of superimposing methods. The processperformed by the client apparatus according to the present embodiment toreceive the GetOSDConfigurationOptions response is a process ofreceiving a response as to the capability of supporting superimposingmethods.

Reference numeral 7203 denotes a transaction of a GetOSD command. TheGetOSD command is a command used by the client apparatus 2000 toinstruct the monitoring camera 1000 to return OSDConfiguration havingspecified OSDToken.

Reference numeral 7204 denotes a transaction of a SetOSD command. TheSetOSD command is a command used by the client apparatus 2000 toinstruct the monitoring camera 1000 to edit each parameter included inthe OSDConfiguration. By executing the CreateOSD command, the monitoringcamera 1000 edits the content of the OSDConfiguration having theOSDToken specified by the client apparatus 2000. By performing thisoperation, the client apparatus 2000 is capable of instructing themonitoring camera 1000 to display a new OSD or change the color, thesize, the position, and/or the like of the OSD being displayed.

The operation of transmitting the SetOSD command is an operation oftransmitting OSD information.

Reference numeral 7205 denotes a transaction of DeleteOSD command. TheDeleteOSD command is a command used by the client apparatus 2000 toinstruct the monitoring camera 1000 to delete OSDConfiguration createdin response to the CreateOSD command. By executing the DeleteOSDcommand, the monitoring camera 1000 deletes the OSDConfiguration havingthe OSDToken specified by the client apparatus 2000 from the storageunit of the monitoring camera 1000.

Next, referring to FIGS. 5A to 5D, an OSD setting graphical userinterface (hereinafter also referred to as a GUI) of the clientapparatus according to the present embodiment is described.

FIGS. 5A to 5D are diagrams illustrating examples of the GUI.

In FIG. 5A, reference numeral 6800 denotes a client application window,and reference numeral 6802 denotes an OSD setting window (a window forsetting an image superimposing method). Reference numerals 6804, 6806,6808, and 6810 respective denote a first stream display window, a secondstream display window, a third stream display window, and a fourthstream display window. Reference numeral 6812 denotes a stream selectionwindow.

In the client apparatus according to the present embodiment, a user isallowed to set each item in the OSD setting window 6802 thereby settingthe monitoring camera connected to the client apparatus in terms of thedisplaying of the OSD.

In the first stream display window 6804 to the fourth stream displaywindow 6810, stream images selected by the client apparatus according tothe present embodiment are displayed. The stream selection window 6812is capable of displaying all stream images receivable by the clientapparatus according to the present embodiment. In this stream selectionwindow 6812, images are displayed in a reduced form.

In the client apparatus according to the present embodiment, inselecting a desired stream image, a user is allowed to scroll reducedimage display windows in the stream selection window 6812 in a right orleft direction. A selected stream image is allowed to be displayed in anenlarged manner in one of the first stream display window 6804 to thefourth stream display window 6810.

In the OSD setting GUI, after one of the first stream display window6804 to the fourth stream display window 6810 is selected, if the OSDsetting window 6802 is selected, a user is allowed to perform OSDsetting for the selected image.

Referring to FIG. 5B, functions of the OSD setting window 6802 aredescribed below.

In FIG. 5B, reference numeral 7000 denotes an OSD setting targetselection frame, reference numeral 7001 denotes an OSD type settingframe, and reference numeral 7002 denotes an OSD display positionsetting frame. Reference numeral 7003 denotes a text setting frame, andreference numeral 7004 denotes an image setting frame. Reference numeral7005 denotes an OSD create button, reference numeral 7006 denotes an OSDmodify button, reference numeral 7007 denotes an OSD delete button, andreference numeral 7010 denotes a reference selection box.

The OSD setting target selection frame 7000 is a frame for selecting anOSD setting target category on the monitoring camera. In the presentembodiment, the OSD setting target categories include, for example, avideo source configuration, a video encoder configuration, a mediaprofile, a stream URI, and a snapshot URI.

The video source configuration is a configuration of a video source thatfunctions as an image source. The video encoder configuration is aconfiguration of a video encoder that functions as an encoder.

The media profile includes, in concept, information about a combinationof an image source and an encoder, additional associated informationsuch as an audio stream, a meta data stream, and the like, informationabout a combination of a plurality of pieces of information such as adirection in which an image is picked up. The media profile functions asinformation for identifying a stream.

Note that the stream URI and the snapshot URI also operate as streamidentification information. More specifically, the stream URI isinformation identifying a stream of a moving image, while the snapshotURI is information identifying a stream of a still image. By using thestream URI and the snapshot URI, it is allowed to control OSD settingindividually for respective users having different user authorities. Inthe present embodiment, setting of OSD is allowed only for an imagestream to which administrator authority is applied, and thus the OSD isallowed to be viewed only on the client apparatus operating under theadministrator authority. In the present embodiment, by performing theoperation in the above-described manner, it is possible to perform theOSD setting such that information such as debug information that isnecessary only for a particular user having a particular user authorityis not disclosed to a user who does not need such information.

In the present embodiment, before the client apparatus displays the OSDsetting window 6802, the client apparatus transmits, for example, theGetOSDConfigurationOptions command to the monitoring camera. In responseto this command, the monitoring camera returns, to the client apparatus,GetOSDConfigurationOptionsResponse to notify of a range in which eachparameter is allowed to be set or a list of selectable values associatedwith OSDConfiguration.

Although it is assumed in the present embodiment that theGetOSDConfigurationOptions command is transmitted before the OSD settingwindow 6802 is displayed, the transmission timing thereof is not limitedto that. Alternatively, for example, the GetOSDConfigurationOptionscommand may be transmitted when the GUI of the client apparatusaccording to the present embodiment is displayed. Still alternatively,the GetOSDConfigurationOptions command may be transmitted when theclient apparatus according to the present embodiment is started.

Still alternatively, the GetOSDConfigurationOptions command may betransmitted when a user selects a stream from windows of the firststream display window 6804 to the fourth stream display window 6810.

Still alternatively, the GetOSDConfigurationOptions command may betransmitted when a stream is selected from stream images displayed inthe reduced manner in the stream selection window 6812.

In this case, newest OSD information associated with the selected streamis obtained, which may be advantageous.

The GetOSDConfigurationOptionsResponse described above includes a listof references for which the OSD setting is allowed in the monitoringcamera according to the present embodiment The list of references isdata of the OSDReferenceOptions type. Note that the data of theOSDReferenceOptions includes information associated with the OSD settingtarget category.

The operation of transmitting the GetOSDConfigurationOptions command isan operation of inquiring a capability of supporting a plurality ofsuperimposing methods. The GetOSDConfigurationOptionsResponse includesinformation about a capability of supporting a plurality ofsuperimposing method. The operation of receiving theGetOSDConfigurationOptionsResponse is an operation of receiving aresponse as to the capability of supporting superimposing methods.

In the present embodiment, the client apparatus displays only options asOSD setting target categories transmitted from the monitoring camera. Inthe example illustrated in FIG. 5B, only the video source configuration,the video encoder configuration, the media profile, and the stream URI,which are transmitted from the monitoring camera, are displayed asoptions. In the present embodiment, a reference selection box 7010 isdisplayed close to a check box of a selected OSD setting targetcategory. The reference selection box is a selection box for furtherselecting a particular target category from selected OSD setting targetcategories. In the example illustrated in FIG. 5B, the video sourceconfiguration is selected, and thus a list of video source configurationtokens possessed by the monitoring camera is displayed in the referenceselection box 7010 in FIG. 5B.

In the case where the video source configuration is selected, videosource configuration tokens are listed in the reference selection box7010 as described above. On the other hand, in a case where the videoencoder configuration is selected, video encoder configuration tokensare listed in the reference selection box 7010. In a case where a mediaprofile is selected, video encoder configuration tokens are listed inthe reference selection box 7010.

In a case where the stream URI is selected, if there are a plurality ofstreams being received by the client apparatus, corresponding URIs arelisted. In a case where only one stream is being received, the URI ofthis stream is displayed.

The displaying operation performed by the client apparatus includes astep of analyzing a response as to the capability of supportingsuperimposing methods. The operation by a user to select one ofdisplayed options includes a step of selecting one or more superimposingmethods from a plurality of superimposing methods.

The OSD type setting frame 7001 is a frame for use in selecting an OSDtype, that is, OSDType, to be displayed in the superimposing manner. Inthe example illustrated in FIG. 5B, TEXT is selected, and thus a textsetting frame 7003 for setting details is enabled. In this case, animage setting frame 7004 is disabled such that a user is not allowed touse this frame for setting.

The frame 7002 for setting the OSD display position is a frame for usein specifying a position at which to display an OSD. Displayingpositions selectable in this fame include UPPER_LEFT (upper left of thescreen), UPPER_RIGHT (upper right of the screen), LOWER_LEFT (lower leftof the screen), LOWER_RIGHT (lower right of the screen), and CUSTOM(position specified by coordinates). In the example illustrated in FIG.5B, UPPER_LEFT (upper left of the screen) is selected.

In the present embodiment, in a case where CUSTOM is selected in theframe 7002 for setting the OSD display position, it is allowed tospecify coordinates by dragging a pointer in a corresponding streamdisplay window.

For example, a user may check a check box of CUSTOM in the frame 7002for setting the OSD display position and then may specify two points inthe first stream display window 6804. By this, it is possible tosimultaneously specify an image on which to display an OSD andcoordinates at which to display the OSD on the image.

As described above, the text setting frame 7003 is a frame for use insetting detailed data in a case where TEXT is selected in the OSD typesetting frame. Selectable types of TEXT include a time and date (Timeand Date) type, a bitrate (Bitrate) type, and a text string (TextString) type. Ina case where the text string (Text String) type isselected, it is allowed to specify an arbitrary text string using a textinput box.

The above-described OSD setting process according to the presentembodiment is an operation of setting OSD information.

The image setting frame 7004 is a frame in which detailed data isdisplayed in a case where the image (IMAGE) is selected in the OSD typesetting frame 7001. In the image setting frame 7004, a user is allowedto set an address of an image file to be displayed as an OSD byinputting the address in a text input box (Image File Path).

When the OSD creation button 7005 is pressed, the client apparatusissues a CreateOSD command to the monitoring camera, and, using theOSDToken returned in response to the CreateOSD command, the clientapparatus executes a SetOSD command on the monitoring camera accordingto a content input by a user via the screen.

When the OSD modify button 7006 is pressed, the client apparatus 2000executes the SetOSD command on the monitoring camera 1000 according to acontent input by user via the present screen using OSDToken stored inadvance.

When the OSD delete button 7007 is pressed, the client apparatus 2000executes the DeleteOSD command on the monitoring camera 1000 usingOSDToken stored in advance.

The operation of transmitting the SetOSD command and the operation oftransmitting the DeleteOSD command include a step of transmitting OSDinformation to the image processing apparatus depending on a selectedsuperimposing method.

In the client apparatus according to the present embodiment, asdescribed above, only OSD setting target categories settable on themonitoring camera to be controlled are displayed in the OSD settingtarget selection frame 7000. However, in an alternative embodiment,among OSD setting target categories displayed in the OSD setting targetselection frame 7000, only OSD setting target categories settable on themonitoring camera may be allowed to be set on the client apparatus. Inthis case, OSD setting target categories that are not settable on themonitoring camera are, for example, grayed out such that a userunderstands that they are not settable.

The above-described operations are described in further detail belowwith reference to FIG. 5C.

In FIG. 5C, reference numerals similar to those in FIG. 5B are used todenote similar functions.

In FIG. 5C, reference numeral 7012 denotes a video source configurationtoken selection box, and reference numeral 7014 denotes a video encoderconfiguration token selection box.

In the GUI in FIG. 5C, a video source configuration and a video encoderconfiguration are transmitted as OSD-settable references from themonitoring camera to be controlled.

Note that in FIG. 5C, OSD-settable references that are not transmittedfrom the monitoring camera are grayed out and they are not allowed to beset. In the example illustrated in FIG. 5C, media profile and stream arenot specified as OSD-settable references, and thus they are displayed ina grayed out manner and it is not allowed to set them.

In an alternative embodiment, the client apparatus may automaticallyselect OSD setting target categories according to information indicatingOSD setting target categories settable on the monitoring camera to becontrolled. In this case, the OSD setting target selection frame 7000may not be displayed in the OSD setting GUI of the client apparatus.

The information about OSD setting target categories settable on themonitoring camera is provided via the operation of transmitting theGetOSDConfigurationOptions command and the operation of receiving theGetOSDConfigurationOptionsResponse. The operation of transmitting theGetOSDConfigurationOptions command is an operation of inquiring thecapability of supporting a plurality of superimposing methods. TheGetOSDConfigurationOptionsResponse includes information about thecapability of supporting a plurality of superimposing methods. Theoperation of receiving the GetOSDConfigurationOptionsResponse is anoperation receiving a response as to the capability of supportingsuperimposing methods.

In this case, for example, the client apparatus according to the presentembodiment selects an OSD setting target category such that an OSD isdisplayed on as many stream images as possible. In the presentembodiment, the scope over which the OSD setting is applied decreases inorder video source, video encoder, media profile, stream or snapshot.

For example, in a case where OSD setting is applied to the video source,the applying of the OSD setting to the video source causes an OSD to bedisplayed on all images transmitted.

In a case where OSD setting is applied to the video encoder, an OSD isdisplayed only on images encoded in a selected encoding method. Forexample, in a case where the video encoder is selected as the OSDsetting target category and H.264 is further selected as a specificencoding method, an OSD is displayed only on images that are encoded inH.264 and transmitted.

Therefore, the client apparatus searches for OSD setting target categorysettable on the monitoring camera in order video source, video encoder,media profile, stream or snapshot. If a matched setting target categoryis found, then it is selected.

For example, in a case where the monitoring camera in the presentembodiment supports OSD setting for video source, video encoder, andstream, the client apparatus in the present embodiment automaticallyselects video source and performs OSD setting for video source. Forexample, in a case where the monitoring camera supports OSD setting forvideo encoder and stream, the client apparatus automatically selectsvideo encoder and performs OSD setting for video encoder.

In a case where there are a plurality of sub-categories in a category ofsetting targets supported by the monitoring camera, the client apparatusaccording to the present embodiment selects a sub-category that allowsthe setting to be applied over a greatest scope. For example, in a casewhere the monitoring camera supports video encoder as an OSD settingtarget category and supports a plurality of encoding methods thereof,the client apparatus automatically selects, as a sub-category, forexample, an encoding method applied to a greatest number of output imagestreams. More specifically, for example, if the monitoring cameratransmits two MJPEG streams and four H.264 streams, the client apparatusaccording to the present embodiment automatically selects H.264 as asub-category to which the OSD setting is applied.

In the embodiment described above, although the client apparatus isconfigured to automatically select an OSD setting target category suchthat an OSD is displayed on as many stream images as possible, theclient apparatus may be configured to automatically select an OSDsetting target category such that an OSD is displayed on as few streamimages as possible.

In this case, the client apparatus searches for OSD setting targetcategories settable on the monitoring camera in order stream orsnapshot, media profile, video encoder, video source. If a matchedsetting target category is found, then it is selected.

For example, in a case where the monitoring camera in the presentembodiment supports OSD setting for categories of video source, videoencoder, and stream if the client apparatus is configured toautomatically select an OSD setting target category such that an OSD isdisplayed on as few stream images as possible, then the client apparatusautomatically selects stream as a category and performs OSD setting forthe category of stream.

Alternatively, the client apparatus according to the present embodimentmay be configured such that a selection box is provided on the OSDsetting GUI so as to allow a user to select a wide or narrow scope overwhich the OSD setting is applied, and the client apparatus automaticallyselects an OSD setting target category according to the selection madeby the user. In this case, if a user selects a wide scope, then theclient apparatus selects an OSD setting target category such that an OSDis displayed on as many stream images as possible, as described above.On the other hand, in a case where a user selects a narrow scope, thenthe client apparatus selects an OSD setting target category such thatthe OSD is displayed on as few stream images as possible, as describedabove.

The above-described operation of automatically selecting an OSD settingtarget category is an operation of automatically selecting onesuperimposing method from a plurality of superimposing methods.

FIG. 5D illustrates an example of an OSD setting GUI of the clientapparatus.

In this example, a wide scope (Wide) selection check box and a narrowscope (Narrow) selection check box are provided in the OSD settingtarget selection frame 7000. These check boxes are configured such thata user is allowed to select either one of the wide scope selection checkbox and the narrow scope selection check box. When a check box isselected by a user, an indication is displayed to indicate that thecheck box is selected. In the example illustrated in FIG. 5D, anindication is displayed to indicate that the wide scope selection checkbox is selected.

When the wide scope selection check box is selected by a user asillustrated in FIG. 5D, the client apparatus according to the presentembodiment selects an OSD setting target category from informationrepresenting target categories transmitted from the monitoring camerasuch that an OSD is displayed on as many stream images as possible. In acase where the narrow scope selection check box is selected by a user,the client apparatus according to the present embodiment selects an OSDsetting target category from information representing target categoriestransmitted from the monitoring camera such that an OSD is displayed onas few stream images as possible.

When the OSD create button 7005 is pressed, the client apparatus 2000issues the CreateOSD command to the monitoring camera 1000.Subsequently, using OSDToken returned in response to the CreateOSDcommand, the client apparatus 2000 executes the SetOSD command on themonitoring camera 1000 according to a content input by the user via thescreen illustrated in FIG. 5D.

When the OSD modify button 7006 is pressed, the client apparatus 2000executes the SetOSD command on the monitoring camera 1000 according to acontent input by user via the present screen OSDToken stored in advance.

When the OSD delete button 7007 is pressed, the client apparatus 2000executes the DeleteOSD command on the monitoring camera 1000 usingOSDToken stored in advance.

The operation of transmitting the SetOSD command and the operation oftransmitting the DeleteOSD command include a step of transmitting OSDinformation to the image processing apparatus depending on a selectedsuperimposing method.

Next, referring to FIGS. 6A and 6B, a process of selecting an OSDsetting target by a client apparatus according to an embodiment isdescribed below.

FIG. 6A is a flow chart illustrating a process performed by the clientapparatus to display a GUI for use in selecting an OSD setting targetaccording to the present embodiment. In the present embodiment, theclient apparatus is configured to use this GUI to select an OSD settingtarget category.

In step S8002 in FIG. 6A, the process of displaying the OSD settingtarget selection frame according to the present embodiment is started.Next, in step S8004, a GetOSDConfigurationOptions command is transmittedfrom the client apparatus according to the present embodiment. Next, instep S8006, GetOSDConfigurationOptionsReponse is transmitted from themonitoring camera according to the present embodiment, and the clientapparatus receives this response.

The operation of transmitting the GetOSDConfigurationOptions command isan operation of inquiring a capability of supporting a plurality ofsuperimposing methods. The GetOSDConfigurationOptionsResponse includesinformation about a capability of supporting a plurality ofsuperimposing method. The above-described operation of receiving theGetOSDConfigurationOptionsResponse is an operation of receiving aresponse as to the capability of supporting superimposing methods.

Next, in step S8008, the received GetOSDConfigurationOptionsReponse isanalyzed by the client apparatus according to the present embodiment.The operation of analyzing the receivedGetOSDConfigurationOptionsReponse includes a step of analyzing aresponse as to a capability of supporting superimposing methods. Theprocess of displaying the OSD setting target selection frame isperformed according to a result of the analysis in step S8008. Theprocess of displaying the OSD setting target selection frame isdescribed below.

Next, in step S8010, it is determined whether the receivedGetOSDConfigurationOptionsReponse includes an option in terms of thevideo source configuration. In a case where it is determined in stepS8010 that the received GetOSDConfigurationOptionsReponse includes anoption in terms of the video source configuration, the processing flowproceeds to step S8012. In step S8012, a displaying process associatedwith video source configuration is performed, and the GUI is accordinglychanged.

Next, in step S8014, it is determined whether the receivedGetOSDConfigurationOptionsReponse includes an option in terms of thevideo encoder configuration. In a case where it is determined in stepS8014 that the received GetOSDConfigurationOptionsReponse includes anoption in terms of the Video Encoder Configuration, the processing flowproceeds to step S8016. In step S8016, a display process as to the videoencoder configuration is performed and the GUI is accordingly changed.

Next, in step S8018, it is determined whether the receivedGetOSDConfigurationOptionsReponse includes an option in terms of themedia profile. In a case where it is determined in step S8018 that thereceived GetOSDConfigurationOptionsReponse includes an option in termsof the media profile, the processing flow proceeds to step S8020. Instep S8020, a display process as to the media profile is performed andthe GUI is accordingly changed.

Next, in step S8022, it is determined whether the receivedGetOSDConfigurationOptionsReponse includes an option in terms of theStream URI. In a case where it is determined in step S8022 that thereceived GetOSDConfigurationOptionsReponse includes an option in termsof the stream URI, the processing flow proceeds to step S8024. In stepS8024, a display process as to the stream URI is performed and the GUIis accordingly changed.

Next, in step S8026, it is determined whether the receivedGetOSDConfigurationOptionsReponse includes an option in terms of thesnapshot URI. In a case where it is determined in step S8026 that thereceived GetOSDConfigurationOptionsReponse includes an option in termsof the snapshot URI, the processing flow proceeds to step S8028. In stepS8028, a display process as to the snapshot URI is performed and the GUIis accordingly changed.

Next, in step S8030, the process of displaying the OSD setting targetselection frame according to the present embodiment is ended.

In the present embodiment, after the operation described above is ended,if the OSD create button 7005 is pressed, the client apparatus issues aCreateOSD command to the monitoring camera. Subsequently, using OSDTokenreturned in response to the create OSD command, the client apparatusexecutes the SetOSD command on the monitoring camera according to acontent input by the user via the present screen.

In a case where the OSD modify button 7006 is pressed, the clientapparatus 2000 executes the SetOSD command on the monitoring camera 1000according to a content input by user via the present screen usingOSDToken stored in advance.

In a case where the OSD delete button 7007 is pressed, the clientapparatus 2000 executes the DeleteOSD command on the monitoring camera1000 using OSDToken stored in advance.

The operation of transmitting the SetOSDcommand and the operation oftransmitting the DeleteOSD command include a step of transmitting OSDinformation to the image processing apparatus depending on the selectedsuperimposing method. As described above, the client apparatus may beconfigured to automatically select an OSD setting target. In this case,the client apparatus may perform the process of selecting an OSD settingtarget in a manner described below with reference to FIG. 6B.

FIG. 6B is a flow chart illustrating the process of selecting an OSDsetting target with a GUI.

In FIG. 6B, in step S8102, the process of automatically selecting an OSDsetting target according to the present embodiment is started. Next, instep S8104, a GetOSDConfigurationOptions command is transmitted by theclient apparatus according to the present embodiment. Next, in stepS8106, GetOSDConfigurationOptionsReponse is transmitted from themonitoring camera according to the present embodiment, and the clientapparatus receives this response.

Next, in step S8108, the received GetOSDConfigurationOptionsReponse isanalyzed by the client apparatus according to the present embodiment.

Next, in step S8109, the state of the wide scope selection check box andthe state of the narrow scope selection check box on the OSD setting GUIare checked. In a case where the wide scope selection check box isselected, the processing flow proceeds to step S8110. On the other hand,in a case where the narrow scope selection check box is selected, theprocessing flow proceeds to step S8130.

Next, in step S8110, it is determined whether the receivedGetOSDConfigurationOptionsReponse includes an option in terms of videosource configuration.

In a case where it is determined in step S8110 that the receivedGetOSDConfigurationOptionsReponse includes an option in terms of videosource configuration, the processing flow proceeds to step S8112. Instep S8112, a process is performed to set the OSD setting target to thevideo source configuration and the GUI is accordingly changed.

In a case where it is determined in step S8110 described above that thereceived GetOSDConfigurationOptionsReponse includes no option in termsof video source configuration, the processing flow proceeds to stepS8114.

In step S8114, it is determined whether the receivedGetOSDConfigurationOptionsReponse includes an option in terms of thevideo encoder configuration.

In a case where it is determined in step S8114 that the receivedGetOSDConfigurationOptionsReponse includes an option in terms of thevideo encoder configuration, the processing flow proceeds to step S8116.In step S8116, a process is performed to set the OSD setting target tothe video encoder configuration and the GUI is accordingly changed.

In a case where it is determined in step S8114 that the receivedGetOSDConfigurationOptionsReponse includes no option in terms of thevideo encoder configuration, the processing flow proceeds to step S8118.

Next, in step S8118, it is determined whether the receivedGetOSDConfigurationOptionsReponse includes an option in terms of themedia profile.

In a case where it is determined in step S8118 that the receivedGetOSDConfigurationOptionsReponse includes an option in terms of themedia profile, the processing flow proceeds to step S8120. In stepS8120, a process is performed to set the OSD setting target to the mediaprofile, and the GUI is accordingly changed.

In a case where it is determined in step S8118 that the receivedGetOSDConfigurationOptionsReponse includes no option in terms of themedia profile, the processing flow proceeds to step S8122.

Next, in step S8122, it is determined whether the receivedGetOSDConfigurationOptionsReponse includes an option in terms of thestream URI.

In a case where it is determined in step S8122 that the receivedGetOSDConfigurationOptionsReponse includes an option in terms of thestream URI, the processing flow proceeds to step S8124. In step S8124, aprocess is performed to set the OSD setting target to the stream URI andthe GUI is accordingly changed.

Next, in step S8126, it is determined whether the receivedGetOSDConfigurationOptionsReponse includes an option in terms of thesnapshot URI.

In a case where it is determined in step S8122 that the receivedGetOSDConfigurationOptionsReponse includes no option in terms of thestream URI, the processing flow proceeds to step S8126.

In a case where it is determined in step S8126 that the receivedGetOSDConfigurationOptionsReponse includes an option in terms of thesnapshot URI, the processing flow proceeds to step S8128. In step S8128,a process is performed to set the OSD setting target to the snapshot URIand the GUI is accordingly changed.

In a case where it is determined in step S8126 that the receivedGetOSDConfigurationOptionsReponse includes no option in terms of thesnapshot URI, then in next step S8160, the process of automaticallyselecting the OSD setting target according to the present embodiment isended.

On the other hand, in a case where it is determined in step S8109 thatthe narrow scope selection check box is not selected, the processingflow proceeds to step S8130 as described above.

In step S8130, as in step S8126 described above, it is determinedwhether the received GetOSDConfigurationOptionsReponse includes anoption in terms of the snapshot URI.

In a case where it is determined in step S8130 that the receivedGetOSDConfigurationOptionsReponse includes an option in terms of thesnapshot URI, the processing flow proceeds to step S8132. In step S8132,a process is performed to set the OSD setting target to the snapshot URIand the GUI is accordingly changed.

In a case where it is determined in step S8130 that the receivedGetOSDConfigurationOptionsReponse includes no option in terms of thesnapshot URI, the processing flow proceeds to step S8134.

Next, in step S8134, it is determined whether the receivedGetOSDConfigurationOptionsReponse includes an option in terms of thestream URI.

In a case where it is determined in step S8134 that the receivedGetOSDConfigurationOptionsReponse includes an option in terms of thestream URI, the processing flow proceeds to step S8136. In step S8136, aprocess is performed to set the OSD setting target to the stream URI andthe GUI is accordingly changed.

In a case where it is determined in step S8134 that the receivedGetOSDConfigurationOptionsReponse includes no option in terms of theStream URI, the processing flow proceeds to step S8138.

Next, in step S8138, it is determined whether the receivedGetOSDConfigurationOptionsReponse includes an option in terms of themedia profile.

In a case where it is determined in step S8138 that the receivedGetOSDConfigurationOptionsReponse includes an option in terms of themedia profile, the processing flow proceeds to step S8140. In stepS8140, a process is performed to set the OSD setting target to the mediaprofile, and the GUI is accordingly changed.

In a case where it is determined in step S8138 that the receivedGetOSDConfigurationOptionsReponse includes no option in terms of themedia profile, the processing flow proceeds to step S8142.

In step S8142, it is determined whether the receivedGetOSDConfigurationOptionsReponse includes an option in terms of thevideo encoder configuration.

In a case where it is determined in step S8142 that the receivedGetOSDConfigurationOptionsReponse includes an option in terms of theVideo Encoder Configuration, the processing flow proceeds to step S8144.In step S8144, a process is performed to set the OSD setting target tothe video encoder configuration and the GUI is accordingly changed.

In a case where it is determined in step S8142 that the receivedGetOSDConfigurationOptionsReponse includes no option in terms of thevideo encoder configuration, the processing flow proceeds to step S8146.

Next, in step S8146, it is determined whether the receivedGetOSDConfigurationOptionsReponse includes an option in terms of videosource configuration.

In a case where it is determined in step S8146 that the receivedGetOSDConfigurationOptionsReponse includes an option in terms of videosource configuration, the processing flow proceeds to step S8148. Instep S8148, a process is performed to set the OSD setting target to thevideo source configuration and the GUI is accordingly changed.

In a case where it is determined in step S8146 that the receivedGetOSDConfigurationOptionsReponse includes no option in terms of videosource configuration, then in step S8160, the process of automaticallyselecting an OSD setting target is ended.

In the present embodiment, after the operation described above, if theOSD create button 7005 is pressed, the client apparatus issues aCreateOSD command to the monitoring camera. Using OSDToken returned inresponse to the CreateOSD command, the client apparatus executes theSetOSD command on the monitoring camera according to a content input bythe user via the present screen.

In a case where the OSD modify button 7006 is pressed, the clientapparatus 2000 executes the SetOSD command on the monitoring camera 1000according to a content input by user via the present screen usingOSDToken stored in advance.

In a case where the OSD delete button 7007 is pressed, the clientapparatus 2000 executes the DeleteOSD command on the monitoring camera1000 using OSDToken stored in advance.

The operation of transmitting the SetOSD command and the operation oftransmitting the DeleteOSD command include a step of transmitting OSDinformation to the image processing apparatus depending on a selectedsuperimposing method.

FIGS. 7A to 7H are diagrams illustrating examples of descriptions ofOSDConfiguration, which is a data type according to the presentembodiment.

The data type illustrated in FIGS. 7A to 7H is defined using, forexample, a XML schema definition language (hereinafter referred to asXSD). The OSDConfiguration type is a data type used in a step of settingOSD information.

FIG. 7A illustrates an example of a definition of the OSDConfigurationtype.

As illustrated in FIG. 7A, the OSDConfiguration type is defined as acomplex type by a complexType declaration in XML. In this example, acomplexContent element and an extension element and a base attributethereof define that the OSDConfiguration type is an extension type of aDeviceEntity type. Furthermore, in this OSDConfiguration type, dataextension is performed by defining, using sequence, data elements thatappear in an order defined herein.

The OSDConfiguration type illustrated in FIG. 7A is a data type used inthe GetOSD response or the SetOSD command illustrated in FIG. 4B.

FIG. 7B illustrates an example of a definition of an OSDReference type.

In data of the OSDReference type, choice elements described thereindefine that one of choice elements is allowed to be selected. In thespecific example of the data of the OSDReference type illustrated inFIG. 7B, the description thereof defines that data of either one ofReferenceToken type or anyURI type is allowed to appear in theOSDReference type.

As the ReferenceToken type, it is allowed to specifyVideoSourceConfigurationToken, VideoEncoderConfigurationToken, orMediaProfileToken.

Furthermore, in the present embodiment, as the anyURI type, it isallowed to specify StreamURl or SnapshotURl. In the present embodiment,the OSDReference type described above is a data type for specifying anOSD setting target.

FIG. 7C illustrates an example of a definition of the OSDType type.

In this example of the definition of the OSDType type, a simplerTypeelement defines that the OSDType type is configured as a simple type inXML, and a restriction element and a base attribute thereof define thatthe OSDType type is configured as a value-restricted type of a stringtype. In the example illustrated in FIG. 7C, the OSDType type is allowedto take TEXT or IMAGE as its value.

FIG. 7D illustrates an example of a definition of an OSDPosConfigurationtype.

In this example of the definition of the OSDPosConfiguration type, acomplexType element defines that the OSDPosConfiguration type is acomplex type. Furthermore, sequence elements define data elements thatappear in an order defined herein.

FIG. 7E illustrates an example of a definition of anOSDTextConfiguration type.

In this example of the definition of the OSDTextConfiguration type, acomplexType element defines that the OSDTextConfiguration type is acomplex type. Furthermore, sequence elements define data elements thatappear in an order defined herein.

FIG. 7F illustrates an example of a definition of anOSDImageConfiguration type. In this example of the definition of theOSDImageConfiguration type, a complexType element defines that theOSDImageConfiguration type is a complex type. Furthermore, sequenceelements define data elements that appear in an order defined herein.

FIG. 7G illustrates an example of a definition of a Vector type. In theVector type, attribute elements define attributes of x and y of a floattype.

FIG. 7H illustrates an example of a definition of a Color type. In theColor type, attribute elements define attributes of X, Y, and Z of thefloat type. Furthermore, use=“required” specifies that the attributes X,Y, and Z are required in the Color type. Furthermore, in the Color type,an attribute of ColorSpace of the anyURI type is allowed to be definedby an attribute element.

FIG. 7I illustrates an example of a definition of a BackgroundColortype. In the BackgroundColor type, a complexType element defines thatthe BackgroundColor type is a complex type. Furthermore, sequenceelements define data elements that appear in an order defined herein.That is, the sequence elements specify data elements of the Color type.Furthermore, in this type, it is allowed to specify an attribute ofTransparent of an int type.

The client apparatus according to the present embodiment acquires OSDsetting information from the image pickup apparatus according to thepresent embodiment by using data of the OSDConfiguration type describedabove. Furthermore, the client apparatus according to the presentembodiment performs the OSD setting on the image pickup apparatusaccording to the present embodiment by using data of theOSDConfiguration type described above.

Next, referring to FIGS. 8A to 8H, examples of definitions of theOSDConfigurationOptions type are described. This OSDConfigurationOptionstype is a data type used in a step of receiving a response indicating acapability of supporting superimposing methods.

FIG. 8A illustrates an example of a definition of theOSDConfigurationOptions type. In the OSDConfigurationOptions type, acomplexType element defines that the OSDConfigurationOptions type is acomplex type. Furthermore, sequence elements define data elements thatappear in an order defined herein.

The OSDConfigurationOptions type is used in transmitting aGetOSDConfigurationOptions response illustrated, for example, in FIG.4B. From the GetOSDConfigurationOptions response, the client apparatusaccording to the present embodiment acquires information about thecapability of the monitoring camera of interest in terms of the OSDsetting target.

In the OSDConfigurationOptions type, a first field definesOSDReferenceOptions of the OSDReferenceOptions type. A next fielddefines MaximumNumberOfOSDs of the int type. A further next fielddefines a type of OSDtype. A further next field defines PositionOptionof the sting type. A further next field defines TextOption of anOSDTextOptions type. The last field defines ImageOption of anOSDImageOptions.

The OSDReferenceOptions type described above is a data type used intransmitting and receiving data representing the capability associatedwith OSD setting targets according to the present embodiment.

In the field of the type and each field of PositionOption, an identifiermaxOccurs=“unbounded” defines that a plurality of definitions areallowed to be described in the OSDConfigurationOptions type.Furthermore, in each field of OSDReferenceOptions, TextOption, andImageOption, it is defined by an identifier minOccurs=“0” that it isallowed to omit definition.

FIG. 8B illustrates an example of a definition of theOSDReferenceOptions type. This OSDReferenceOptions type is a data typeused in defining OSDReferenceOptions in a first field in FIG. 8B. In theOSDReferenceOptions type, a complexType element defines that theOSDReferenceOptions type is a complex type. Furthermore, sequenceelements define data elements that appear in an order defined herein. Inthe OSDReferenceOptions type, a first field defines OSDReference of theOSDReference type. In this field, an identifier maxOccurs=“unbounded”defines that a plurality of definitions are allowed to be described inthe OSDReference type.

The OSDReference type used in the OSDReferenceOptions type in FIG. 8B isthe same data type as that illustrated in FIG. 7B. In the OSDReferencetype, as described above, choice elements described therein defineelements one of which is allowed to be selected. For example, in data ofthe OSDReference type, data of either one of ReferenceToken type oranyURI type is allowed to appear.

As the ReferenceToken type, it is allowed to specifyVideoSourceConfigurationToken, VideoEncoderConfigurationToken, orMediaProfileToken.

Furthermore, in the present embodiment, as the anyURI type, it isallowed to specify StreamURl or SnapshotURl.

In the OSDReference type, as described above, one of OSD setting targetcategories is allowed to be specified using data of the ReferenceTokentype or the anyURI type.

In the OSDReferenceOptions type, as described above, it is allowed todescribe a plurality of pieces of data of the OSDReference type, andthus, in the OSDConfigurationOptions type, it is allowed to list aplurality of OSD setting target categories.

In the analysis of GetOSDConfigurationOptions in step S8008 in FIG. 6Adescribed above, the field of the OSDReferenceOptions type is analyzed.In the analysis of GetOSDConfigurationOptions in step S8108 in FIG. 6Bdescribed above, the analysis is performed mainly on the field of theOSDReferenceOptions type.

FIG. 8C illustrates an example of a definition of the OSDTextOptionstype. In the OSDTextOptions type, a complexType element defines that theOSDTextOptions type is a complex type. Furthermore, sequence elementsdefine data elements that appear in an order defined herein.

In the OSDTextOptions type, a first field a field defining the type ofOSDType. A next field defines FontSizeRange of an IntRange type. Afurther next field defines DateFormat of the string type. A further nextfield defines TimeFormat of the string type as with the DateFormat . Afurther next field defines Color of the ColorOptions type. The lastfield defines Transparent of the IntRange type.

In the Type field, the DateFormat field, and the TimeFormat field, it isdefined by an identifier maxOccurs=“unbounded” that a plurality ofdefinitions are allowed to be described in the OSDTextOptions type.

In the DateFormat field, the TimeFormat field, the Color field, and theTransparent field, it is defined by an identifier minOccurs=“0” thatthere it is allowed to omit definition.

FIG. 8D illustrates an example of a definition of the OSDImageOptionstype. In the OSDImageOptions type, a complexType element defines thatthe OSDImageOptions type is a complex type. Furthermore, sequenceelements define elements that appear in an order defined herein.

In the OSDImageOptions type, a first field defines ImagePath of theanyURI type. In the ImagePath field, an identifier maxOccurs=“unbounded”defines that a plurality of definitions are allowed to be described inthe OSDImageOptions type.

FIG. 8E illustrates an example of a definition of an IntRange type. Inthe IntRange type, a complexType element defines that the IntRange typeis a complex type. Furthermore, sequence elements define elements thatappear in an order defined herein.

In the IntRange type, a first field defines Min of the int type. Thelast field defines Max of the int type.

FIG. 8F illustrates an example of a definition of the ColorOptions type.In the ColorOptions type, a complexType element defines that theColorOptions type is a complex type. Furthermore, sequence elementsdefine elements that appear in an order defined herein. Choice elementsdescribed in a sequence element define elements one of which is allowedto be selected. More specifically, in the ColorOptions type, an elementis selected from a ColorList field or a ColorspaceRange field, whichwill be described later.

In the ColorOptions type, as described above, one of options is theColorList field of the Color type, and the other one of the options isthe ColospaceRange field of the ColospaceRange type. In the ColorListfield and the ColospaceRange field, it is defined by an identifiermaxOccurs=“unbounded” that a plurality of definitions are allowed ineach of them.

FIG. 8G illustrates an example of a definition of the ColospaceRangetype. In the ColospaceRange type, a complexType element defines that theColospaceRange type is a complex type. Furthermore, sequence elementsdefine elements that appear in an order defined herein.

In the ColospaceRange type, a first field is an X field. A next field isa Y field, A third filed is a Z filed. The X field, the Y filed, and theZ field are all data of the FloatRange type. In the ColospaceRange type,the last field defines Colorspace of the anyURI type.

FIG. 8H illustrates an example of a definition of the FloatRange type.In the definition of the FloatRange type, a complexType element definesthat the FloatRange type is a complex type. Furthermore, sequenceelements define elements that appear in an order defined herein.

In the definition of the FloatRange type, a first field defines Min ofthe float type, and the last field defines Max of the float type.

In the present embodiment, the client apparatus acquires, from the imagepickup apparatus, information about the OSD settable on the image pickupapparatus by using data of the OSDConfigurationOptions type describedabove. Furthermore, in the image pickup apparatus according to thepresent embodiment, the data of the OSDConfigurationOptions typedescribed above is used to transmit information about the capability ofthe image pickup apparatus in terms of the OSD.

Next, referring to FIGS. 9A to 9D, the GetOSDConfigurationOptionscommand according to the present embodiment andGetOSDConfigurationOptionsResponse, which is a response to theGetOSDConfigurationOptions command, are described below.

As described above, the information about OSD setting targets settableon the monitoring camera is provided via the transmission of theGetOSDConfigurationOptions command and the reception of theGetOSDConfigurationOptionsResponse. The operation of transmitting theGetOSDConfigurationOptions command is an operation of inquiring thecapability of supporting a plurality of superimposing methods. TheGetOSDConfigurationOptionsResponse includes information about acapability of supporting a plurality of superimposing methods. Theoperation of receiving the GetOSDConfigurationOptionsResponse is anoperation receiving a response as to the capability of supportingsuperimposing methods.

FIG. 9A illustrates an example of a definition of theGetOSDConfigurationOptions command type. The GetOSDConfigurationOptionscommand is a command used by the client apparatus according to thepresent embodiment to get a list of setting options associated with theOSD from the monitoring camera. In response to theGetOSDConfigurationOptions command, the monitoring camera according tothe present embodiment returns information about the capabilityassociated with the OSD to the client apparatus.

As illustrated in FIG. 9A, the GetOSDConfigurationOptions command mayinclude, as a parameter, an OSDReference field of the OSDRedferencetype. In the OSDReference field, it is allowed to define by anidentifier minOccurs=“0” that this field is optional. In thisOSDReference field, a token of an OSD setting target is specified.

By using the OSDReference field, the client apparatus is allowed torequest setting options associated with only the particular OSD settingtarget specified by a user as a response to theGetOSDConfigurationOptions command.

FIG. 9B illustrates an example of a definition ofGetOSDConfigurationOptionsResponse. As described above, the monitoringcamera according to the present embodiment transmits information aboutthe capability associated with the OSD setting to the client apparatusby using GetOSDConfigurationOptionsResponse.

As illustrated in FIG. 9B, GetOSDConfigurationOptionsResponse includes,as a parameter, an OSDConfigurationOptions field. This field is data ofthe OSDConfigurationOptions type.

FIG. 9C illustrates an example of a configuration of theGetOSDConfigurationOptions command. In this example illustrated in FIG.9C, the GetOSDConfigurationOptions command is configured such that theoptional OSDReference field described above is not included.

FIG. 9D illustrates an example of a configuration ofGetOSDConfigurationOptionsReponse, which is a response to theGetOSDConfigurationOptions command.

As described in FIG. 9D, the monitoring camera according to the presentembodiment notifies the client apparatus of the OSD setting targetsallowed in the monitoring camera by listing them in OSDReference fieldsin the OSDReferenceOptions field.

In the example illustrated in FIG. 9D, VCSO, which is a token ofVideoSourceConfigurationToken, is defined as one of OSD setting targets.Furthermore, tokens of video encoder configuration are defined asMJPEG0, MJPEG1, H.264_0, H.264_1, and MPEG4_0. Stream URI of a stream isdefined as “rtsp://192.168.100.1/OSDstream/”.

When GetOSDConfigurationOptionsReponse illustrated in FIG. 9D isreceived, then, for example, VSC0 is displayed as an option in theselection box 7012 the GUI illustrated in FIG. 5C.

Furthermore, in the video encoder configuration token selection box7014, MJPEG0, MJPEG1, H.264_0, H.264_1, and MPEG4_0 are displayed asoptions. The stream selection box is displayed without being grayed out,and “rtsp://192.168.100.1/OSDstream/” is displayed as an option in avideo encoder/stream URI selection box with no reference numeral.

As a result of the displaying operation, the GUI of the client apparatusis displayed, for example, as illustrated in FIG. 10.

In the case where GetOSDConfigurationOptionsReponse illustrated in FIG.9D is received, the OSD setting target selection GUI of the clientapparatus illustrated in FIG. 5D operates as follows.

For example, in a case where the wide scope selection check box isselected by a user, VSCO, which is a video source configuration token,is selected as an OSD setting target. On the other hand, in a case wherethe narrow scope selection check box is selected by a user,“rtsp://192.168.100.1/OSDstream/”, representing a stream URI, isselected as an OSD setting target.

Referring to FIG. 11, the OSD setting process on the monitoring cameraaccording to the present embodiment is described below. FIG. 11 is aflow chart illustrating the OSD setting process on the monitoring cameraaccording to the present embodiment.

In FIG. 11, instep S8202, the OSD setting process according to thepresent embodiment is started.

As described above, the client apparatus according to the presentembodiment transmits the SetOSD command to the monitoring cameraaccording to the present embodiment.

Next, in step S8204, the monitoring camera according to the presentembodiment receives the SetOSD command.

Next, instep S8206, the OSDReference field in the SetOSD command isanalyzed.

In step S8212, it is checked whether the OSDReference field includes avideo encoder configuration token. In a case where the OSDReferencefield does not include a video encoder configuration token, then, innext step S8228, the monitoring camera performs the OSD setting processin a normal mode. The OSD setting process instep S8228 is performedbased on the SetOSD command received in step S8204 described above.

In a case where it is determined in step S8212 that the OSDReferencefield includes a video encoder configuration token, the processing flowproceeds to step S8214. In step S8214, a video encoder configuration setin the monitoring camera is searched for. In the searching for the videoencoder configuration, the same token as the video encoder configurationtoken included in the OSDReference field is applied.

Next, in step S8216, the retrieved video encoder configuration isanalyzed.

Next, in step S8218, an encoding method is identified from the videoencoder configuration.

Next, in step S8220, it is checked whether there is a stream with thesame encoding method as the identified encoding method.

In a case where it is determined in step S8220 that there is no streamwith the same encoding method as the identified encoding method, theprocessing flow proceeds to a next step S8228. In step S8228, asdescribed above, the OSD setting process is performed in the normalmode.

In a case where it is determined in step S8220 that there is a streamwith the same encoding method as the identified encoding method, theprocessing flow proceeds to step S8222 in which the OSD setting processis performed for all streams with the same encoding method as theidentified encoding method. The OSD setting process is the same as thatspecified in the SetOSD command received in step S8204 except for theprocess associated with the video encoder configuration token includedin the OSDReference field.

Thereafter, in next step S8228, the monitoring camera performs the OSDsetting process in the normal mode. In next step S8230, the OSD settingprocess according to the present embodiment is ended. Next, referring toFIGS. 12A and 12B, the SetOSD command is described in further detailbelow.

FIG. 12A illustrates an example of a definition of the SetOSD command.The SetOSD command is a command used by the client apparatus accordingto the present embodiment to perform the OSD setting on the monitoringcamera according to the present embodiment.

As illustrated in FIG. 12A, the SetOSD command includes an OSDfield ofthe OSDConfiguration type. An example of a definition of the data typeof OSDConfigurarion is illustrated in FIG. 7A.

As illustrated in FIG. 7A, data of the OSDConfigurarion type includes anOSDReference field of the OSDReference. An example of a definition ofthe OSDReference type is illustrated in FIG. 7B.

As illustrated in FIG. 7B, the OSDReference type is a choice data typein which one of the followings is selected:VideoSourceConfigurationToken; VideoEncoderConfigurationToken;MediaProfileToken; StreamURI; and SnapshotURI.

In the present embodiment, the client apparatus specifiesVideoEncoderConfigurationToken in the OSDReference field and issues aresultant SetOSD command. When the monitoring camera receives thisSetOSD command, the monitoring camera searches for a video encoderconfiguration including the VideoEncoderConfigurationToken.

The monitoring camera then searches for an encoding method described inthe video encoder configuration, and the monitoring camera performs theOSD setting specified in the SetOSD command for all streams using thesame encoding method as the retrieved encoding method.

FIG. 12B illustrates a speciic example of a configuration of the SetOSDcommand.

In the example in FIG. 12B, the video encoder configuration is specifiedas an OSD setting target. This is detected by aVideoEncoderConfigurationToken tag specified in the OSDReference fieldincluded in the OSDConfiguration field in the SetOSD command.

When the monitoring camera receives the SetOSD command such as thatillustrated in FIG. 12B, the monitoring camera searches for a videoencoder configuration with a token of H264_0. The monitoring cameraaccording to the present embodiment then analyzes an encoding methoddescribed in the video encoder configuration. For example, in a casewhere the analysis indicates that the encoding method is H.264, themonitoring camera according to the present embodiment performs the OSDsetting specified in FIG. 12B for all H.264 streams transmitted by themonitoring camera.

In the monitoring camera according to the present embodiment, asdescribed above, in a case where the OSD setting is performed for aspecified image encoding method, the same OSD setting is performed forall streams encoded in the specified encoding method.

Other Embodiments

The present invention may also be practiced by executing the followingprocessing. That is, software (program) for implementing the functionsdisclosed in the embodiments is provided to a system or an apparatus viaa network or a storage medium, and a computer (or a CPU or a MPU) in thesystem or the apparatus reads and executes the program.

According to the present embodiment, even in a case where the OSDfunction is configured such that superimposing is performed for aspecified encoder, it is possible to reduce a difference insuperimposing operation among encoders, and it is also possible toreduce a troublesome operation performed by a user.

Embodiments of the present invention can also be realized by a computerof a system or apparatus that reads out and executes computer executableinstructions recorded on a storage medium (e.g., non-transitorycomputer-readable storage medium) to perform the functions of one ormore of the above-described embodiment (s) of the present invention, andby a method performed by the computer of the system or apparatus by, forexample, reading out and executing the computer executable instructionsfrom the storage medium to perform the functions of one or more of theabove-described embodiment(s). The computer may comprise one or more ofa central processing unit (CPU), micro processing unit (MPU), or othercircuitry, and may include a network of separate computers or separatecomputer processors. The computer executable instructions may beprovided to the computer, for example, from a network or the storagemedium. The storage medium may include, for example, one or more of ahard disk, a random-access memory (RAM), a read only memory (ROM), astorage of distributed computing systems, an optical disk (such as acompact disc (CD), digital versatile disc (DVD), or Blu-ray Disc (BD)(Trademark)), a flash memory device, a memory card, and the like.

While the present invention has been described with reference toexemplary embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is notlimited to the disclosed exemplary embodiments. The scope of thefollowing claims is to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as toencompass all such modifications and equivalent structures andfunctions.

1. A monitoring camera comprising: an image sensor configured to pick upan image; a reception interface configured to receive, from a clientapparatus, an acquisition request to acquire superimposing optionsavailable in the monitoring camera, wherein each of the superimposingoptions includes a parameter for superimposing a content on the imagepicked-up by the image sensor; and a transmission interface configuredto transmit superimposing options, wherein, in a case where theacquisition request is received by the reception interface, thetransmission interface is configured to transmit superimposing optionsavailable in the monitoring camera.
 2. The monitoring camera accordingto claim 1, further comprising: one or more processors; and a memorystoring instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors,cause the monitoring camera to perform operations including: setting theparameter which is selected in the client apparatus and is sent to thereception interface, superimposing a content on the picked-up imagebased on the set parameter, and outputting the image on which thecontent is superimposed to the client apparatus.
 3. The monitoringcamera according to claim 1, wherein the superimposing options are alist of selectable parameters.
 4. The monitoring camera according toclaim 1, wherein the content includes a text or an image.
 5. Themonitoring camera according to claim 1, wherein the superimposingoptions include at least an on screen display (OSD) position.
 6. Themonitoring camera according to claim 1, wherein the superimposingoptions include at least a text setting.
 7. The monitoring cameraaccording to claim 1, wherein the superimposing options include at leasta font color.
 8. The monitoring camera according to claim 1, wherein thesuperimposing options include at least a background color.
 9. Themonitoring camera according to claim 1, wherein the superimposingoptions include at least a time format.
 10. A client apparatusconfigured to display an image picked-up by a monitoring camera with acontent superimposed, the client apparatus comprising: a requestinterface configured to transmit an acquisition request to themonitoring camera for acquiring superimposing options available in themonitoring camera, wherein each of the superimposing options includes aparameter for superimposing a content on the image picked-up by themonitoring camera; a controller configured to control a display of auser interface for selection of a parameter for superimposing a contenton the image based on the superimposing options acquired from themonitoring camera; and a sending interface configured to send at least aparameter selected by the user interface to the monitoring camera. 11.The client apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the controllerdisplay the user interface for setting a parameter, which is notsettable to the monitoring camera, in a grayed out manner based on thesuperimposing options.
 12. The client apparatus according to claim 10,wherein the request interface transmits the acquisition request beforedisplaying the user interface for selection of the parameter.
 13. Theclient apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the content includes atext or an image.
 14. The client apparatus according to claim 10,wherein the superimposing options include at least an on screen display(OSD) position.
 15. The client apparatus according to claim 10, whereinthe superimposing options include at least a text setting.
 16. Theclient apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the superimposingoptions include at least a font color.
 17. The client apparatusaccording to claim 10, wherein the superimposing options include atleast a background color.
 18. The client apparatus according to claim10, wherein the superimposing options include at least a time format.19. A method of controlling a monitoring camera, the method comprising:picking up an image; receiving, from a client apparatus, an acquisitionrequest to acquire superimposing options available in the monitoringcamera, wherein each of the superimposing options includes a parameterfor superimposing a content on the picked-up image; and transmittingsuperimposing options, wherein, in a case where the acquisition requestis received by the monitoring camera, transmitting superimposing optionsavailable in the monitoring camera.
 20. The method according to claim19, further comprising: setting the parameter which is selected in theclient apparatus and is sent to the monitoring camera; superimposing acontent on the picked-up image based on the set parameter; andoutputting the image on which the content is superimposed to the clientapparatus.
 21. The method according to claim 19, wherein thesuperimposing options are a list of selectable parameters.
 22. Themethod according to claim 19, wherein the content includes a text or animage.
 23. The method according to claim 19, wherein the superimposingoptions include at least an on screen display (OSD) position.
 24. Themethod according to claim 19, wherein the superimposing options includeat least a text setting.
 25. The method according to claim 19, whereinthe superimposing options include at least a font color.
 26. The methodaccording to claim 19, wherein the superimposing options include atleast a background color.
 27. The method according to claim 19, whereinthe superimposing options include at least a time format.
 28. A methodof controlling a client apparatus configured to display an imagepicked-up by a monitoring camera with a content superimposed, the methodcomprising: transmitting an acquisition request to the monitoring camerafor acquiring superimposing options available in the monitoring camera,wherein each of the superimposing options includes a parameter forsuperimposing a content on the image picked-up by the monitoring camera;controlling a display of a user interface for selection of a parameterfor superimposing a content on the image based on the superimposingoptions acquired from the monitoring camera; and sending at least aparameter selected by the user interface to the monitoring camera. 29.The method according to claim 28, wherein controlling includesdisplaying the user interface for setting a parameter, which is notsettable to the monitoring camera, in a grayed out manner based on thesuperimposing options.
 30. The method according to claim 28, whereintransmitting includes transmitting the acquisition request beforedisplaying the user interface for selection of the parameter.
 31. Themethod according to claim 28, wherein the content includes a text or animage.
 32. The method according to claim 28, wherein the superimposingoptions include at least an on screen display (OSD) position.
 33. Themethod according to claim 28, wherein the superimposing options includeat least a text setting.
 34. The method according to claim 28, whereinthe superimposing options include at least a font color.
 35. The methodaccording to claim 28, wherein the superimposing options include atleast a background color.
 36. The method according to claim 28, whereinthe superimposing options include at least a time format.
 37. Anon-transitory computer-readable recording medium storing a program tocause a computer to perform a method of controlling a monitoring camera,the method comprising: picking up an image; receiving, from a clientapparatus, an acquisition request to acquire superimposing optionsavailable in the monitoring camera, wherein each of the superimposingoptions includes a parameter for superimposing a content on thepicked-up image; and transmitting superimposing options, wherein, in acase where the acquisition request is received by the monitoring camera,transmitting superimposing options available in the monitoring camera.38. A non-transitory computer-readable recording medium storing aprogram to cause a computer to perform a method of controlling a clientapparatus configured to display an image picked-up by a monitoringcamera with a content superimposed, the method comprising: transmittingan acquisition request to the monitoring camera for acquiringsuperimposing options available in the monitoring camera, wherein eachof the superimposing options includes a parameter for superimposing acontent on the image picked-up by the monitoring camera; controlling adisplay of a user interface for selection of a parameter forsuperimposing a content on the image based on the superimposing optionsacquired from the monitoring camera; and sending at least a parameterselected by the user interface to the monitoring camera.